Freeman Roundhouse Museum Campaign

$1,585
of $5,000 goal

Please support the Oliver Nestus Freeman Roundhouse Museum as we begin to expand our walls.

Our purpose is to perserve, promote, and present African-American history, art, and culture to all citizens of Wilson, NC and its surrounding regions. From community trailblazers to nationally known personalities, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation of the numerous contributions local people of color have made to society.

Our current building was constructed by Oliver Nestus Freeman, born in 1882 to a former slave. He was educated at the Tuskegee Normal School in Alabama and returned to Wilson, NC to build a number of houses to help alleviate the shortage of affordable housing for soldiers returning from World War II.

Our expansion plans will allow us to still showcase Freeman's unique stone three-room round house as well as offer additional exhibition space, community conference room, and resource center.

Please consider giving during our fundraising campaign.

"We have a beautiful history, and we shall create another in the future that will astonish the world." - Marcus Garvey

Thank you for your continuous support. We've made tremendous progress with our expansion, but have a ways to go before completion. Work on the inside displays is still to come; however, we can't wait to show you how much we've grown.

We are excited to offer the Walk of Honor Brick Paver Fundraiser! A gift of $100 or more will purchase an engraved brick to be placed in front of our gazebo as a stage area and permanent show of your generosity!

As the country celebrates Black History Month, please support the Freeman Roundhouse African-American Museum. The museum highlights our local heroes that fought to pave paths many of us walk today and we stand in their footsteps as we face the work yet to be done. Come make history with us… Donate today!

My great grandmother and grandfather (Vanderbilt and Harriett Dawson) lived on Freeman Street, and my aunt Elnora's home is currently located there. My grandfather, Fester Dawson, once owned a store located down the street from the Roundhouse. The Dawson clan has a strong connection to this area of Wilson. I proudly make this donation in their honor.